Agenda and minutes

Reverend Leo Orobor to open the meeting with a ‘Thought for the Day’.

The Reverend Leo Orobor, of All Saints Church in Huntingdon, opened the meeting with a thought for the day

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 17th December 2025 and 14th January 2026.

The Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on the 17th December 2025 and 14th January 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

No declarations were received.

To note the Chair’s engagements since the last Council meeting.

The Council noted those engagements attended by the Chair and Vice-Chair since the last meeting (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book).

Having noted that it was the last full Council meeting prior to the District Council elections on 7th May 2026, the Chair invited the Executive Leader, Councillor Conboy to address the Chamber.

The Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy, paid tribute to Councillor D Dew who was not re-standing for election and particularly reflected on his previous time in Cabinet, his role as Chair of Development Management Committee and more recently as Chair of the Council. Following which, Councillor Conboy reflected on the past four years of the joint administration and the collaborative work undertaken by the chamber over that time.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor R Martin, addressed the Chamber also paying tribute to Councillor Dew and his role as ward councillor over the past 22 years. Tribute was also paid to Councillor S Criswell, who was also not standing for election, reflecting particularly on his previous time in Cabinet, his role as Chair of Overview and Scrutiny and also as Licensing Chair. A moments silence was held in memory of former Councillor Graham Welton who had passed away during the term of this administration.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor T D Sanderson, addressed the floor, paying tribute to Councillor Dew and reflecting upon his personal memories during their shared time as District Councillors. Sentiments which were echoed by Councillor S Wakeford, the Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing.

To invite Councillor Robert Guinea and Councillor Ruth Southworth to present a petition on behalf of Houghton & Wyton Parish Council and residents of the District containing 843 signatures regarding concerns around the implications of the recent Local Plan Preferred Options consultation. The petitioners have made the following statement :

 “Pause the Huntingdonshire District Council Local Plan

We are deeply concerned about the implications of the current Local Plan for Huntingdonshire, driven by a pressing need to protect our quality of life. If the plan proceeds without necessary amendments, our beloved community faces the risk of merging towns and villages into a concentrated, doughnut shaped sprawling conurbation. This not only threatens the character of Huntingdonshire but also places immense pressure on our infrastructure.

Potential Consequences of the Current Plan:

v  Essential services, including roads, water, power, and sewage systems, are at risk of becoming overstretched—impacting daily life.

v  Water resources could suffer, with potential rationing of less than 90 litres per day per person. Furthermore, river pollution could escalate if housing developments outpace necessary infrastructure improvements.

v  The loss of prime farmland and devastating damage to Great Ouse Valley's scenic landscapes.

v  Unsustainable commuting patterns to Cambridge and Bedfordshire will lead to increased congestion and pollution.

v  A perception that the decision-making process lacks transparency and breadth of public engagement.

Given these serious concerns, we the undersigned petition Huntingdonshire District Council to:

Pause the Local Plan (Update 2046) until the boundaries of the new Unitary Authority are precisely defined and understood, ensuring decisions are made with complete context. Other Councils have already done this.

Challenge the Inflated Housing Target, taking inspiration from successful challenges undertaken by other councils. Reducing expected targets could limit over-development pressure on the community.

Rely on Real Evidence, Not Assumptions: Conduct comprehensive infrastructure studies that examine the true capabilities and limit of current systems. Secure necessary funding prior to committing to large scale developments.

Our community’s future depends on careful, participatory, and evidence-based planning rather than rushed approvals. Let us safeguard Huntingdonshire’s unique character, wellbeing, and resources for current and future generations. Help us champion a local plan that reflects our shared values and needs.”

5 Minutes Presentation of Petition

5 Minutes Questions to Petitioners

No longer than 15 Minutes for the ensuing debate

The Chair invited Parish Councillors Robert Guinea, Paul Boothman and Ruth Southworth to present a petition submitted on behalf of 843 signatures regarding concerns around the implications of the recent Local Plan Preferred Options consultation.

The petition statement was as follows:

“Pause the Huntingdonshire District Council Local Plan

We are deeply concerned about the implications of the current Local Plan for Huntingdonshire, driven by a pressing need to protect our quality of life. If the plan proceeds without necessary amendments, our beloved community faces the risk of merging towns and villages into a concentrated, doughnut shaped sprawling conurbation. This not only threatens the character of Huntingdonshire but also places immense pressure on our infrastructure.

Potential Consequences of the Current Plan:

v  Essential services, including roads, water, power, and sewage systems, are at risk of becoming overstretched—impacting daily life.

v  Water resources could suffer, with potential rationing of less than 90 litres per day per person. Furthermore, river pollution could escalate if housing developments outpace necessary infrastructure improvements.

v  The loss of prime farmland and devastating damage to Great Ouse Valley's scenic landscapes.

v  Unsustainable commuting patterns to Cambridge and Bedfordshire will lead to increased congestion and pollution.

v  A perception that the decision-making process lacks transparency and breadth of public engagement.

Given these serious concerns, we the undersigned petition Huntingdonshire District Council to:

Pause the Local Plan (Update 2046) until the boundaries of the new Unitary Authority are precisely defined and understood, ensuring decisions are made with complete context. Other Councils have already done this.

Challenge the Inflated Housing Target, taking inspiration from successful challenges undertaken by other councils. Reducing expected targets could limit over-development pressure on the community.

Rely on Real Evidence, Not Assumptions: Conduct comprehensive infrastructure studies that examine the true capabilities and limit of current systems. Secure necessary funding prior to committing to large scale developments.

Our community’s future depends on careful, participatory, and evidence-based planning rather than rushed approvals. Let us safeguard Huntingdonshire’s unique character, wellbeing, and resources for current and future generations. Help us champion a local plan that reflects our shared values and needs.”

The Parish Councillors addressed the Chamber expressing their opinion that the six week public consultation period pre Christmas was too short. They noted that they were not opposed to the Plan in principle and noted it’s many merits for Huntingdonshire and her residents, however they also felt that there were significant weaknesses in the Plan which they noted. They expressed concern that what they felt to be unresolved issues would resurface at the examination stage, potentially leading the Planning Inspector to find the Plan unsound. They stated that they were asking for the process to be paused now to avoid greater delays in the future by addressing the gaps in evidence within the Plan to truly reflect the best interests of Huntingdonshire.

In addressing the chamber, Councillor D Keane thanked those involved with the petition for their hard work and engagement with the community. The Councillor noted the importance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To answer any questions submitted by the public in accordance with the Constitution.

The deadline for the receipt of public questions is five days prior to the meeting and must be submitted to the Monitoring Officer.

No formal public questions were submitted for consideration at the meeting of the Council.

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, Councillor B Mickelburgh to present for approval –

? The 2026/27 Budget

v  The 2026/27 – 2029/30 Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 2b

v  The Band D Council Tax rate for Huntingdonshire at £170.86, representing a £5 (3.01%) increase to the current charge

v  The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2027/28 to 2029/30, Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy and the Treasury Management Strategy

v  The Formal Resolution to determine the Council Tax as set out in Appendix 8

v  Endorsement of the statement of the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves as set out in Appendix 9

? The Fees and Charges Schedule for 2026/27 as set out in Annex B1 and B2

In accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Act (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, the Council will be asked to resolve that a recorded vote be taken on conclusion of the debate on this item.

The reports were considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 10th February 2026 and it was agreed that they should be recommended to Council for approval.

(The Leader of the Opposition will have a right of reply).

15 Minutes Presentation

45 Minutes Debate and Questions

In conjunction with a report by the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources and a PowerPoint presentation (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), Councillor B A Mickelburgh, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources presented to Members the 2026/27 Budget, the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2027/28 to 2030/31, the Fees and Charges Schedule for 2026/27, the Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy, the Investment Strategy, the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement for 2026/27 and other associated matters for the Council’s consideration and approval.

In accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Finance Act 1992, the Council also considered proposals for levels of Council Tax in 2026/27 for various parts of Huntingdonshire District.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor introduced the report, confirmed that the Section 151 Officer was satisfied with the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the reserves and reflected upon the previous four years of the administration.

Councillor A R Jennings proposed that the amendment as published alongside the agenda and presented to members (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), be moved and reserved his right to speak. This amendment, was then presented to the Chamber, following which it was seconded by Councillor R Martin.

The ensuing debate related to the proposed amendment, during which, Councillor B S Chapman observed that the proposed amendment included a free first hour of car parking but reflected that the Council had previously implemented a parking strategy which encouraged a longer dwell time in order to benefit High Streets and local businesses and that due to the location of many town centre carparks the impacts of this carparking amend would be minimal.

Councillor B Mickelburgh observed that the proposed amendment had some attractive sounding propositions but would not be sustainable, particularly in the uncertain future of LGR. He noted in particular that the garden bin waste subscription service was paying for itself and that any freezes to the Council Tax would have a lasting impact on the MTFS to the detriment of public services.

The Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, Councillor L Davenport-Ray, agreed with the comments made by Councillor Mickelburgh and stated that she was note prepared to leave a legacy of underfunded budget assumptions which would create an obvious and predictable deficit in year one. She further commented that the proposed amendments effects on staff pay threatened the morale of Council officers and were insensitive particularly in the current period of uncertainty of the shadow of LGR.

Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones spoke in support of the amendment and focused his debate on the proposed changes to carparking, noting that they would be of benefit to the whole district and sought to increase footfall for town centre businesses, which in turn would increase the desirability of those locations and result an increased income from related Business Rates. He concluded by summarising that the amendment would seek to lower costs to residents, thereby improving the lives  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

At 10pm, it was

RESOLVED

that the meeting stand adjourned.

Upon resumption at 10.16pm

(At 10pm Councillor B Chapman left the meeting and did not return)

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Environment, Councillor L Davenport-Ray to present the Pay Policy Statement to the Council for approval.

(The Statement was considered by the Employment Committee at their meeting on 11th February 2026 and a verbal update will be provided on their deliberations).

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, Councillor L Daveport-Ray, the Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, presented a report by the Human Resources and Organisational Development Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) in connection with the District Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27.

The Statement, which is required to be approved by Council by 31st March 2026 and produced annually, details the Council’s policies relating to Officer remuneration.

Having noted that the Statement had been endorsed by the Employment Committee at their meeting on the 11th February 2026, it, was moved by Councillor Davenport-Ray, duly seconded by Councillor Conboy and

RESOLVED

that the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 be approved.

Councillor S J Conboy, Executive Leader and Chair of the Cabinet to present the refreshed Corporate Plan for approval by the Council.

(The Plan was considered at the meeting of the Cabinet on 10th February 2026 and the Executive Leader will provide an update on the Cabinet’s deliberations).

In conjunction with a report by the Insights Co-ordinator (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), Councillor S J Conboy, the Executive Leader, presented to Members the Corporate Plan Refresh 2026 report for the Council’s consideration and approval.

Councillor Conboy noted the forthcoming District Council Elections and the impending LGR and stated that the Corporate Plan Refresh would provide a period of stability and continuity for the following administration and residents alike.

Councillor Martin addressed the chamber and stated that the priorities in the business case did not align with those of the Conservatives should they be in the administration following the election, therefore they would not be supporting the recommendations.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the refreshed Corporate Plan (as detailed at Appendix A) be approved; and

that the Key Performance Indicator Changes (as detailed at Appendix D) be approved.

Councillor M J Burke, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report seeking the re-appointment of a Lead Independent Person for a further two-year period to 1st April 2028 without the need for further ratification in each year by the Council at its Annual Meeting.

(The report was considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 28th January 2026 who recommended that Council should approve the proposed appointment and amendment).

In conjunction with a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager & Deputy Monitoring Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), Councillor M J Burke, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, presented to Members the Appointment of Lead Independent Person report for the Council’s consideration and approval.

Councillor Hodgson-Jones, in addressing the chamber, noted that there remained a vacancy for the Deputy Independent Person and that having discussed the matter at the Corporate Governance Committee meeting, he was minded to strongly recommend that the recruitment process to fulfil this vacancy be undertaken.

Having noted that the report had been endorsed by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on the 28th January 2026, and having been duly proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that for the purposes of Section of 28 of the Localism Act 2011, the re-appointment of Gillian Holmes to the post of Lead Independent Person for a further two-year period to 1st April 2028 and without the need for further ratification in each year by the Council at its Annual Meeting be approved.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

v  Must be relevant to an item which the Council has powers or duties;

v  Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the Agenda

v  Should be limited to obtaining information or pressing for action; and

v  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

Questions should not divulge or require to be divulged, confidential or exempt information.

Councillor Hunt asked that with the Representation of the People Bill being introduced allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote, what work has the Council done to prepare for these changes and engage with young people who are voting for the first time? In thanking Councillor Hunt for his question, the Executive Councillor for Governance and Democratic Services, Councillor Harvey, noted that the Chief Executive in her role as Returning Officer for the Council was very enthusiastic about engaging young people in the democratic process. It was noted that the Council’s elections team already undertook work with educational establishments to encourage young people to engage in the voting process and that work in this area would be increased to strengthen links with education providers in the run up to the introduction of the policy as well as taking guidance from the Electoral Commission. This will be further strengthened with a targeted awareness campaign from the Council’s Communications Team to ensure a smooth implementation process. Councillor Hunt thanked the Councillor for her support and further passed on his thanks and respect to the Democratic Services Manager and her team for the work which they undertake whilst ensuring a smooth democratic process for Councillors.

Following a question from Councillor I Taylor in relation to whether the Empty Homes Strategy included residential properties above or linked to commercial businesses, with the example of residential flats above a commercial unit being given, and the request for an update on the Old Falcon property in St Neots, the Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, Councillor Wakeford, confirmed that residential properties within commercial units were covered by the Empty Homes Strategy. In relation to the Old Falcon, the Executive Councillor further confirmed that planning permission had now been granted and that the Council were working collaboratively with the owner with a view to entering a construction phase.

Councillor S Cawley advised that he, along with representatives from Ellington Parish Council, had met with the Head of Planning to discuss enforcement issues and potential applications related to a local business in the area but that they were yet to receive answers following this. The Executive Councillor for Planning noted this and resolved to follow up with the Councillor following the meeting.

Whilst appreciating that highways were a responsibility of the County Council, Councillor P Kadewere asked whether the Executive Councillor Economy, Regeneration and Housing recognised an opportunity, in light of the impending Local Government Reorganisation, for the two Councils to work collaboratively in order to improve the state of the roads within Huntingdonshire, furthermore would the Council commit to engaging with colleagues to ensure that lessons learnt from the transition period inform planning for the incoming unitary authority so that residents can benefit from a lasting improvement. Councillor Wakeford agreed that the opportunity to engage with County colleagues on such an issue would be a benefit of the impending LGR and that he would encourage the next administration to avail themselves of the opportunity. He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To consider a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager on the representation of political groups on Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the District Council’s Constitution.

TO FOLLOW.

By means of a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Representation of Political Groups on District Council Committee and Panels was presented to the Chamber.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Martin, it was confirmed that each of the three recommendations would be considered separately. Councillor Hodgson- Jones then queried the need for the report given the point in the municipal cycle following which the Chamber were advised that there was a legal requirement to consider and vote on the report during the meeting.

Councillor Wakeford acknowledged the legal requirement to consider the report however agreed with the sentiment of Councillor Hodgson-Jones in maintaining the status quo for the final portion of the municipal calendar however he indicated that he would not support option B.

Following which, and it having been duly proposed and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the allocation of seats on the District Council Committees and Panels to political groups be determined in accordance with the distribution illustrated at Appendix A; and

that the requirements for appointments to advisory/sub groups in paragraph 5.3 be noted. 

This item provides an opportunity for Members to ask questions of the District Council representatives on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.

If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.

In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), copies of the decision summaries are appended in the Minute Book, questions on which were invited.

Following a question from Councillor Davenport-Ray, the Council heard that following CPCA funding which was allocated in 2024, training opportunities for young people had been identified in the St Neots area, mainly linked to the increase in construction employment in the area, and that relevant education opportunities were coming online across the district to address that issue.

An opportunity for Members to raise any issues or ask questions arising from recent meetings of the Council’s Committees and Panels.

A list of meetings held since the last Council meeting is attached for information and Members are requested to address their questions to Committee and Panel Chairs.

A copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 17th December 2025 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

Following a question from Councillor Martin, Councillor Gleadow as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel advised that the use of Special Urgency Proceedings relating to the Parking Charges – Implementation of Increase Report which was seen by Cabinet and Council in December 2025 had initially been communicated to her via email which had then been followed by a telephone conversation.

a)  To review the membership of the Constitution Review Working Group in light of the decision taken under Item 12.

Current membership comprises; Councillors M J Burke, J A Gray, J E Harvey, P Hodgson-Jones, R Martin, D Mickelburgh, T D Sanderson and S Wakeford.

b)  Group Leaders to report on variations to the Membership of Committees and Panels if necessary.

On the recommendation of Councillor Conboy, having consulted with group leaders, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillors Keane and Davenport-Ray be appointed to the membership of the Development Management Committee in place of Councillors Brereton and Pitt.

that Councillor Pitt be appointed to the membership of Licensing Committee in place of Councillor Tevlin.

that Councillor Tevlin be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) Committee in place of Councillor Hassall.

that Councillor Hassall be appointed to the membership of the Employment Committee in place of Councillor P Kadewere.

that Councillor P Kadewere be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) in place of Councillor McAdam.

The meeting ended at 11pm.